Equality charity says it warned of racism at St Augustine's school last year but was ignored

Foysol Choudhury MBE is chair of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council.

The head of a high-profile equality charity has said it warned of racism allegations at St Augustine’s secondary school a year ago but was ignored.

Foysol Choudhury MBE, chair of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) said he was ‘totally speechless’ at the Evening News report on Monday that 30 students had come forward with allegations of racism at the school, adding that he ‘knew this was coming’.

The students shared their independent testimonies after former pupil Miguel Chui, 19, launched a campaign to highlight racism at the school inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.

Foysol Choudhury MBE

ELREC approached St Augustine’s in September 2019 offering to help mediate in complaints about racist behaviour directed towards students, Mr Choudhury said.

The approach was made after ELREC received allegations of racism at St Augustine’s by students and parents who were unwilling to make themselves known to staff members at the school for fear of retribution.

ELREC approached the school among others as part of its TRUE Colours youth anti-bullying campaign, as data protection policies prevented them from contacting the school about specific complaints.

Foysol Choudhury MBE

But while several schools and youth clubs responded to ELREC’s advances, St Augustine’s did not.

“They were totally in denial, they said they didn’t have any issues,” said Mr Choudhury.

“The complaints were totally out of order. Some of the students were frightened to bring it up with teachers because they knew nothing would be done about it, and in some cases they thought bringing it up with the teacher would mean they would be targeted more.”

Racism has been a problem at St Augustine’s for ‘years and years’, Mr Choudhury said.

“It’s just that now with the Black Lives Matter movement people are coming forward.

“What touched my heart the most was that some of the students began to think this was normal, and that I cannot accept,” he said.

“Students need to be taught that when they make these kinds of comments and jokes about other students from a minority background they will be punished.

“I feel that schools should have a partnership with an independent organisation to deal with this. It’s been going on for years and years and we need to do something now.”

Councillor Ian Perry, Education Convener, said: “As a council we treat allegations of racism very seriously and an investigation is ongoing at the school.

“We are committed to improving the lives of all young people and it is important we strengthen our commitment to tackling the issue of racism by supporting pupils and colleagues through strong anti-racist leadership and teaching in our schools.

“Every child, young person and member of staff is valued by us and it's by listening and talking to each other in an open and honest way that progress can be made.

“Edinburgh is a multi-cultural city and by delivering together the change that we know is needed we will ensure that this is a city where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, where everyone belongs and feels they belong.”